Best Manga To Start Reading In 2025

Summary

• Akane-banashi combines rakugo tradition with sports anime intensity, making it a unique and captivating pick for manga fans in 2025.
• Centuria offers a raw, emotionally intense dark fantasy tale that merges tragedy and cosmic horror, standing out as a must-read series.
• Gokurakugai is a fast-rising supernatural action series that blends Dandadan with Tokyo Ghoul vibes, delivering chaotic demon-slaying mayhem.

Manga fans are always hunting for the next big hit, and 2025 is shaping up to be a year full of potential. With massive series like My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen winding down, readers are hungry for fresh stories that pack just as much punch. For fans looking to dive into something singularly unique, Akane-banashi blends the tradition of rakugo with the intensity of a sports anime, making it an unforgettable pick.

On the darker side of the spectrum, Centuria offers a raw, emotionally intense tale set in a brutal world where tragedy and cosmic horror collide. And these are just the beginning. 2025 is teeming with fresh stories ready to enthrall, and here are several that deserve a spot on every manga fan’s radar this year.

10

Marriagetoxin

Hitman Must Marry To Save His Queer Sister’s Future

• Written by: Joumyaku
• Illustrated by: Mizuki Yoda
• Published by: Shueisha
• Original run: April 20, 2022 – present
• Genre: Action and Romantic comedy
• Mangadex: 8.45

Marriagetoxin delivers the kind of wild premise that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. Mashing up rom-com awkwardness with assassin-grade chaos, it follows Gero, a poison-wielding hitman forced to find a wife or see his queer sister coerced into continuing the family line. What could’ve easily veered into gimmick territory instead unfolds into explosive action, romantic tension, and surprisingly tender character growth.

With sleek character designs and marvelous figures like the enigmatic, cross-dressing matchmaker Kinosaki, the series brings both style and substance. Its ability to swing effortlessly between outrageous comedy and genuine emotional stakes makes it the perfect pick for fans of mangas like Sakamoto Days and Kaguya-sama.

9

Akane-Banashi

Rakugo Artist Fights For Recognition In Intense Tournaments

• Written by: Yuki Suenaga
• Illustrated by: Takamasa Moue
• Published by: Shueisha
• Original run: February 14, 2022 – present
• Genre: Coming-of-age and Comedy drama
• Mangadex: 8.74

Centered on rakugo, a centuries-old Japanese performance art, Akane-banashi follows Akane Osaki, a fiercely driven teen chasing professional recognition after her father’s career was unjustly destroyed. While it sounds like a pretty niche concept, Akane-banashi hits with the intensity of a popular sports anime, complete with tournament-style arcs, rising rivals, and dramatic flair.

But what truly makes this manga so interesting is its protagonist—Akane is incredibly charismatic, sharp, and constantly evolving, making her one of the most endearing main characters out there. Often flying under the radar, this series quietly grabs hold of readers and doesn’t let go. Fans of Act-Age will especially find this series impossible to resist, making it a top pick for 2025.

8

Kagurabachi

A Son Seeks Revenge Against Those Who Murdered His Father

• Written by: Takeru Hokazono
• Illustrated by: Takeru Hokazono
• Published by: Shueisha
• Original run: September 19, 2023 – present
• Genre: Action, Drama, Dark fantasy
• Mangadex: 8.90

Kagurabachi is about Chihiro, the son of a legendary swordsmith, on a revenge-fueled quest to retrieve stolen enchanted blades and take down the deadly sorcerers who murdered his father. On the surface, it’s a classic revenge tale, but beneath the blade-swinging fury lies a surprisingly rich world of cursed weapons, secret organizations, and sleek urban fantasy lore.

Fans of Demon Slayer, Vagabond, or Jujutsu Kaisen will find themselves right at home in its sharp choreography, tense showdowns, and emotionally driven arcs. With standout story beats like the Sojo battle and the intense Rakuzaichi arc, Kagurabachi is fully on fire, making 2025 the perfect time to jump into this rising phenomenon before it slices its way to the top.

7

Gokurakugai

Exorcists Fight Monsters In A Chaotic Action Adventure

• Written by: Yuto Sano
• Illustrated by: Yuto Sano
• Published by: Shueisha
• Original run: July 4, 2022 – present
• Genre: Adventure, Supernatural
• Mangadex: 8.93

Stylish, sharp, and unapologetically chaotic, Gokurakugai is a fast-rising supernatural action series that feels like Dandadan collided headfirst with Tokyo Ghoul—and the result is pure adrenaline. Centered around Alma and Tao, two devilishly cool exorcists-for-hire, the manga delivers a monster-of-the-week format that’s as punchy as it is unpredictable. Each chapter drops with sleek visuals, high-impact brawls, and just enough lore teases to keep the stakes climbing.

The thing that sets Gokurakugai apart is its steady evolution from episodic fun to something deeper and more layered, all without losing its wild charm. The slick character designs echo the playful absurdity of Ranma ½, but the tone leans darker, grittier, and far more stylish, making it this year’s most binge-worthy pick for anyone craving stylish demon-slaying mayhem with bite.

6

Centuria

A Boy With Eldritch Power Seeks To Protect An Orphaned Child

• Written by: Tohru Kuramori
• Illustrated by: Tohru Kuramori
• Published by: Shueisha
• Original run: April 8, 2024 – present
• Genre: Dark fantasy
• Mangadex: 8.98

Centuria is dark fantasy at its most gut-wrenching and most gripping. Imagine Berserk meets Vinland Saga, with a dash of cosmic horror thrown in to make it even more enticing. Created by a former Chainsaw Man assistant, the series doesn’t hold back. It’s raw, eerie, and deeply human—exactly the kind of story that worms its way under the reader’s skin and stays there.

Julian, a broken boy among slaves bound for a “new world,” briefly finds hope in a bond with a pregnant woman named Mira on a ship when she takes him under her wing. But just as his life starts to look up, tragedy strikes, and Julian inherits a chilling eldritch power. When the ship’s indebted captain kills the slaves, including Mira, Julian is gifted the combined strength and lives of 100 slain souls by a sea entity, along with a mission to protect Mira’s child from forces that want her dead. Julian’s journey subsequently turns bloody and emotional, filled with trauma and brief moments of hope, as he tries to raise the child. So, for those who are into morally complex heroes and mythic storytelling, this is the one.

5

Ichi The Witch

A Boy Becomes The First Male Witch In A World Dominated By Women

• Written by: Osamu Nishi
• Illustrated by: Shiro Usazaki
• Published by: Shueisha
• Original run: September 9, 2024 – present
• Genre: Fantasy
• Mangadex: 8.98

Ichi the Witch swept into the fantasy scene with a trope that flips tradition brilliantly—a boy becoming the first male witch in a world where magic has always been female territory. And what follows is a dazzling story filled with snappy comedy, explosive magic battles, and heartwarming mentorship, anchored by Ichi’s chaotic charm and his delightfully smug mentor, Desscaras, who may or may not be the strongest witch alive (just ask her).

Readers who love Witch Hat Atelier, Hunter x Hunter, or Cardcaptor Sakura will find plenty to love here, from the innovative magic system to the jaw-dropping panel work and rich, whimsical art. With each chapter outshining the last, Ichi the Witch is already one of 2025’s best and is primed to become the next big fantasy obsession.

4

Gachiakuta

Teen Framed For Murder Battles Monsters In A Brutal Underworld

• Written by: Kei Urana
• Illustrated by: Kei Urana
• Published by: Kodansha
• Original run: February 16, 2022 – present
• Genre: Action, Dark fantasy, Dystopian
• Mangadex: 9.12

Gachiakuta takes the classic revenge narrative, throws it into a pit—literally—and builds something gritty, bold, and entirely unforgettable. Set in a sharply divided society where the rich discard both trash and people into a massive Abyss, the story follows Rudo, a rebellious teen framed for murder and sentenced to the same fate as his father. But death doesn’t greet him. Instead, a festering underworld crawling with garbage-born monsters does. This leads to a brutal ascent as Rudo joins a group of “Cleaners” who battle the grotesque with salvaged, weaponized junk.

Visually striking with a punk edge and social bite, it’s part dystopia, part monster-hunting mayhem, and fully packed with style and substance. As the mystery around the Abyss deepens and Rudo’s revenge burns hotter, Gachiakuta continues to form a distinct identity in the manga scene of 2025.

3

RuriDragon

Teen With Dragon Horns Navigates School Life, Friendship, And Self-Discovery

• Written by: Masaoki Shindo
• Illustrated by: Masaoki Shindo
• Published by: Shueisha
• Original run: June 13, 2022 – present
• Genre: Coming-of-age, Fantasy, and Slice of life
• Mangadex: 9.22

RuriDragon breaks the mold of typical Shonen Jump fare with a refreshingly mellow take on self-discovery and supernatural weirdness. Instead of focusing on world-ending battles or power-scaling arcs, it leans into the charm of adolescence. Ruri Aoki’s sudden dragon horns and fiery breath as a half-dragon don’t set her up for a hero’s journey but rather for awkward school days, budding friendships, and navigating a very unusual puberty.

Basically, this manga exudes Machikado Mazoku’s chaotic energy, but with more fire and deadpan humor, while also staying grounded. Its cozy, slice-of-life pacing, quirky characters, and understated comedy make it a fantastic read, especially for fans craving something gentle but original. And with biweekly chapters keeping things fresh, RuriDragon is only getting better.

2

The Bugle Call: Song Of War

A Bugler’s Music Powers Spark War, Secrets, And Betrayal

• Written by: Mozuku Sora
• Illustrated by: Higoro Toumori
• Published by: Shueisha
• Original run: June 3, 2022 – present
• Genre: Dark fantasy and Military
• Mangadex Rating: 9.37

The Bugle Call: Song of War is the manga to watch out for because it’s the kind of manga that draws one in and doesn’t let go, making it a must-read for 2025. Luca, a bugler with the power to manifest his music into light, is thrust into a war when the mysterious Pontiff recruits him. Promised the chance to become a real musician, Luca soon finds himself facing more than he bargained for as secrets and shocking battles unfold.

The story’s combination of powerful abilities, intense combat, and intricate world-building makes it a standout. Its latest arc kept fans on edge, and with the English release this year, it’s the perfect time to dive in. In fact, readers who enjoy Attack on Titan or Fullmetal Alchemist are bound to love this manga for sure.

1

The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn’t A Guy At All

Teen Romance Explores Gender, Attraction, And Self-Discovery Through Disguise

• Written by: Sumiko Arai
• Illustrated by: Sumiko Arai
• Published by: Kadokawa Shoten
• Original run: April 10, 2022 – present
• Genre: Yuri, Slice of life, and Music
• Mangadex: 9.53

The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy at All hits all the right notes in 2025’s manga lineup—a charming queer romance with a refreshingly simple twist. For fans of Bloom Into You or Whisper Me a Love Song, this is an easy recommendation and a standout read for anyone following queer manga in 2025. The story starts with a classic high school crush: stylish Aya falls for a cool, aloof guy working at her favorite indie record shop. The twist is that the “guy” is actually her reserved classmate, Mitsuki, in disguise.

This shocking revelation leads to a slow, thoughtful romance that explores gender presentation, connection, and growing trust between two teens figuring themselves out. The best aspect of this manga is that it avoids clichés and melodrama, choosing instead to focus on slice-of-life intimacy and subtle emotional shifts. With clean art, great pacing, and a refreshingly respectful approach to gender and attraction, this is one of those rare romance titles that feels both modern and genuinely sweet.